Kanya Pujan 2023: Why Do We Feed Girls On Ashtami And Navami?

The nine-day Shardiya Navratri festival began on Sunday, October 15, and it is being celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across the country. Navratri is considered the most auspicious and revered festival in the country, and it will culminate on October 23 with the celebrations of Durga Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. On the last two days of Navratri, devotees perform a ritual known as "Kanya Puja" or "Kanjak Poojan" to conclude the nine-day festival.

This year, Mahasaptami will be celebrated on Saturday, October 21, Maha Ashtami on October 22, Maha Navami on Monday, October 23 and Vijayadashami will be celebrated on October 24, Tuesday.

Kanya Pujan 2023: Why Do We Feed Girls On Ashtami And Navami Navratri? | Shutterstock

What is the significance of Kanya Bhoj/Kanya Pujan in Navratri?

Millions of devotees across the country are immersed in the celebrations of Navratri ¡ª a nine-day Hindu festival that commenced on Sunday, October 15. On October 22, devotees are celebrating Ashtami of Sharad Navratri 2023. On this day, devotees offer special bhog to Maa Mahagauri, which includes coconut, halwa-puri, and chana, and later distribute it to people as prasad. Apart from this, they also perform special Maha Aarti for Goddess Maha Gauri to please her.

On this day, devotees conduct "Kanya Bhoj" or "Kanjak Poojan" at their homes to worship Maa Durga. Devotees welcome little girls (the girls are considered as the replicas of Maa Durga) at the homes and offer them Prasad of Halwa-Puri, Sweets and Nariyal.

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When is Kanya Puja 2023 performed? | Shutterstock

What is the purpose of Kanya Pooja?

During Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami, young girls are considered to be an avatar of Nava Durga on earth and worshipped. It is written in our sacred books that praying a human would get faster results than praying God himself and children are the purest form of human beings. So, to worship the pure soul and acknowledge the power of the feminine, people hold Kanjak Poojan.

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Kanya Bhoj is celebrated on the 8th (Ashtami) or 9th(Navami) Day of Navratri twice a year. To acknowledge the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga- Sailaputri, Brahmacharini, Andraghanta, Kusamanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalarati, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri, devotees call nine young girls at the homes and feed them. On Kanya Pooja, devotees are served a variety of food such as Kheer, Puri, Sweets, Kala Chana, and Halwa as Prasad.

The reason behind worshipping girls of different ages in Kanjak Puja 2023:

2-Year-Old Kanjak: The young girl of a 2-year-old young girl is called Kanya. By worshiping her, riches, bliss, and success in the life.

3-Year-Old Kanjak: Three-year-old young girl is called Trimurti. It's believed to bring luck, happiness, and prosperity we worship her.

4-Year-Old Kanjak: The 4-year-old young girl is called Kalyani. It's believed, that by worshiping her, the home remains loaded with joy and helps them in seeking Maa Durga's blessings.

5-Year-Old Kanjak: The 5-year-old girl is called Rohini, and worshiping the Rohini girl is good for the devotee's health.

6-Year-Old Kanjak: The 6-year-old young girls are believed as Goddess Kali, and worshiping them aids the Raja Yoga.

7-Year-Old Kanjak: The 7-year-old girl is called Chandika, by venerating her, the house is filled with prosperity.

8-Year-Old Kanjak: The 8-year-old young girl is called Shambhavi. It's believed by worshiping her, we have prosperity and happiness in life.

9-Year-Old Kanjak: The 9-year-old girl is considered as the form of Goddess Durga. By worshipping her, all the hurdles from life get eliminated.

10-Year-Old Kanjak: The 10-year-old girls are thought to be a form of Goddess Subhadra and worshipping them aids in the fulfillment of all wishes.

Kanya Pujan 2023: Why Do We Feed Girls On Ashtami And Navami? | Shutterstock

How to do Kanya Bhoj at home?

- The first step is to invite young girls to your home. It's traditional to invite an odd number of girls, call five, nine, 11 or 21 girls for the banquet as per your convenience.

- Upon arrival, welcome the girls with warmth and respect. Wash their feet and offer them seats.

- After washing their feet, apply Kumkum on their forehead and bow to them.

- Perform an aarti to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga. You can also offer flowers and incense.

- Serve a delectable meal to the Kanjak. It traditionally includes Puri, Chana, Halwa, and fruits.

- Offer Dakshina to Kanjak, As Dakshina you should offer the girls some gifts or money as per your preference.

What are the Important Dates of Shardiya Navratri 2023?

Kanya Bhoj during Navratri is a beautiful tradition that celebrates the divine feminine and fosters the values of sharing and caring. By inviting young girls into your home and serving them a delicious meal, you not only seek blessings but also participate in a significant cultural ritual.

When is Kanya Puja performed?

This year, Kanya Puja will be celebrated on October 22 (Maha Ashtami) and on Monday, October 23 (Maha Navami).

Kanya Pujan is performed on the eighth or ninth day of Navratri.

What is the age limit for Kanjak puja?

Girls aged between 6¨C12 who have not reached puberty are worshiped with great devotion. Girls of these ages symbolizes purity, serenity, innocence and peace. They represent all forms of Durga and feminine energy is at its peak during this time. So they are worshiped.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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